SIU’s School of Medicine after effect from the lack of a budget

Universities across the state are looking at a 10 percent funding reduction. (WRSP)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WRSP) —

A budget is in place but that doesn’t mean universities aren’t feeling the aftermath of the two-year stalemate.

The Springfield’s Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s biggest hurdle is how resurrecting their oncology-hematology fellowship. SUI was ready to launch the program right before the budget impasse in 2015.

This would give students a hands-on program for the medical field as well as keep students working towards something greater.

Now SIU says the oncology program won’t be able to come back until summer of 2019.

They still need money, approvals, and ‘fellow’ recruitment.

“So I think that adds a whole new level of uncertainty for the schools,” Dr. Aziz Khan Executive Director of the SIU Cancer Institute, “And for the University, I think that is terrible, it’s just scary.”

The fellowship will cost about $450,000 a year.

SIU said they fear universities hurting from the last two years, will continue to see: lost support, fewer professors, and lower enrollment.

Universities across the state are looking at a 10 percent funding reduction.